Tastemakers: Lil Bo‘s Capicolla - Arcadia Brewing Hopmouth Double Ipa

May 31, 2006

LIL’ BO’S CAPICOLLA (Focaccia)
In just a few short months under the leadership of G.M. Sal Capone, Lil Bo’s of Traverse City has become one the area’s hottest eateries for both lunch and dinner. With an Italian-inspired menu Bo’s is drawing in the crowds who are pleasantly surprised by the one-time hard-nosed shot & beer establishment’s rise to culinary excellence. Yes, Sir Walter Hagen would be proud of his old hangout.
While the famous “Bo Burger” is still a favorite and on the menu other sandwiches on the move out of the new kitchen include the Italian Grinder and the Capicolla Focacca. The latter is made with grilled asparagus, Capicolla ham, sun dried tomatos, fresh mozzarella and a celery seed dressing. All the ingredients are layered in between slices of Facacca (Focaccia) from where else but Bay Bread (so many of the best sandwiches in the region seem to be on slices from Bay Bread). The Capicolla Facacca pairs nicely with either the Sierra Nevada Pale Ale or Bell’s Oberon both are on tap. As for service, if everyone at Lil Bo’s is like Betty then you can count on great attentive service. For a complimentary tasting of their food stop by on Wednesday’s between 5 and 6:30 pm for customer appreciation night. Guarateeded: one bite and you will be back.


ARCADIA BREWING HOPMOUTH DOUBLE IPA
Just one whiff upon opening a bottle of Arcadia Brewing HopMouth and one is transfered to the center of a Pacific Northwest Hop Farm. Sold in a 20-ounce bottle, HopMouth is best enjoyed in a 14-ounce white wine Grand Cru style glass. Pour about 7 ounces and nose the glass to take in the entire fresh hop aroma. Before enjoying that first sip mentally prepare yourself for a major hop/malt explosion to take place on your tongue. This beer is big and bold and is not for the weak palate. After the enjoyment of the fresh hop rush this beer balances itself out nicely with the Maris Otter Malt. Expect notes of pine and citrus and slight hint of sweetness as the beer warms itself. Despite coming in at just over 8% alcohol by volume the brewer has done an excellent job of masking the grain alcohol flavor that often comes through on higher alcohol brews.
Arcadia is based in Battle Creek and is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The company says HopMouth Double IPA is “the first in our Brew Crew Big Beer Series,” and if this beer is a taste of things to come expect the series to be a hit with those looking for a little adventure out of their beer bottle. It pairs well with hearty and spicy cuisine. Match up with blackened whitefish, Thai dishes or that “big burger” off the grill. Enjoy during the cocktail hour with pungent cheeses and fresh citrus fruits.